Her briefings and publications have addressed state building and conflict, security sector reform, democratic transitions, and the African Union. Prior to joining EUISS, Barrios was senior researcher and EU project manager at ESSEC business school, and researcher at the think tank FRIDE. She has also worked as assistant professor at ESCP Europe and as a researcher at the Carter Center, as a consultant in democracy promotion and electoral observer in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, among others. Barrios obtained her Ph.D. in international relations from the London School of Economics, and previously studied at University of Granada, University of Regensburg, University of Paris 8, and University of California, Berkeley.